Wild Life Stories of India: A talk on Indian Forests and Tigers

 

Wild Life Stories of India

Today on 21st July 2023, we, the students of the Department of English, had the privilege of attending a captivating talk on "Wildlife Stories: Indian Tigers" by the renowned wildlife photographer, Mr. Kaushik Ghelani. The event was organized by the Life Science Department of MKBU, and it proved to be an immensely enlightening experience, deepening our understanding of the world of wildlife.

The talk centered on Mr. Ghelani's real-life encounters with wildlife, which was the primary reason why I found the session immensely enjoyable. As a wildlife photographer and filmmaker, his work has been admired by many wildlife enthusiasts. Notably, his wildlife photographs have garnered recognition from the Government of Gujarat, and his documentary titled "Vasudheiv Kutumbakam" received the government's endorsement, showcasing the wonders of the wildlife.

The documentary, which we had the pleasure of witnessing, was truly awe-inspiring, offering a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the wild. Throughout the session, sir eloquently emphasized the significance of nature and wildlife. He expressed his deep connection with nature, a sentiment beautifully mirrored in his breathtaking photographs. As he put it,

"Nature is, to me, a university for learning."

One of the highlights was his discussion on the renowned Jim Corbett National Park and Dhikala and its majestic tigers. Before delving into the tigers' captivating stories, he provided a brief historical overview of the park's name. The photographs he shared showcased his remarkable skills in capturing wildlife in its raw essence. Particularly fascinating were the insights into the tiger's behavior - how they raise their cubs, mark their territory, and train their offspring. He vividly illustrated how tigers, like humans, mark their homes and engage in territorial disputes, even fighting their own siblings. The evidence presented left no room for doubt.

He went on to describe the nurturing role of tigresses in raising their cubs. They teach their young how to hunt and grow stronger, for, as in the human world, strength prevails in the wild. The tales of individual tigers, with names such as Charger, Karnkati, and Maya, were enthralling. Moreover, his exhibited pictures of how tigers strategize their hunts, adding another layer of fascination to the session.

Moving forward, He enlightened us about bird sanctuaries, showcasing beautifully captured pictures of various bird species. His passion for wildlife and nature was evident in each image he shared.

Throughout the session, he stressed the importance of immersing oneself in nature and forming connections with native people to truly capture the essence of wildlife. One anecdote he shared was about spending a night in the jungle. Though it was not permitted, he worked as a laborer through the night, singing to protect the sugarcane farms from wild animals while observing wildlife. His dedication and passion were truly inspiring.

Towards the conclusion, he offered valuable conservation tips, emphasizing the need to let nature be, undisturbed by human interference. Even in our pursuit of capturing wildlife, we must ensure minimal disturbance to their natural habitat. He encouraged us to visit jungles at least once a year to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature.

At the end of this remarkable session, I had the opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of the Department of English. I highlighted how, as students of literature, we explore the intricacies of nature as well as the complexities of human nature. The fusion of both aspects enriches our understanding and contributes to making the world a better place, an idea fostered by Dilip Barad sir. I extended heartfelt thanks to Bharat Sir for giving me the chance to express the vote of thanks.

At the end, we gathered for a group photo, there we also got a chance to have  a delightful conversation with Kaushik Ghelani sir. He recommended several English books that delve into wildlife, such as "Life of Pi."

Overall, this extraordinary session left an indelible impression on all of us, deepening our love for wildlife and the wonders of the natural world. We remain grateful for the invaluable insights shared by Kaushik Ghelani sir and the Life Science Department for organizing such a transformative event.